Over the weekend, that phrase took on literal meaning for the 32-year-old Ellsworth resident. He, like over 12,000 people, competed in the Tough Mudder competition in Mansfield. It’s a 10.5 mile muddy course filled with close to 30 obstacles.

“They’re all designed to beat you up and make you work for it,” said Stevens, still sore from the Mudder’s grueling physical demands.

It’s a welcome challenge for Stevens. That’s because his motivation comes for one very important person. In May of 2012, Stevens’ cousin, Brandy Rosine, was murdered.

“She did a lot of things good for a lot of people,” said Stevens. “I choose to celebrate the life she did leave. She can’t speak for herself so now I’m going to do as best I can to honor that.”

So with her picture on his shirt and her memory in his heart, Stevens pushed through, finishing the competition in four hours.

“After mile 10, I heard my son yelling over the crowd. I looked up, and a bunch of my family was sitting there with a big banner for Brandy,” said Stevens. “That got me pretty choked up that everyone was there wearing Brandy t-shirts.”

Stevens plans to continue competing in Tough Mudder competitions to honor Rosine’s life.

“There’s no quitting,” said Stevens. “That’s what we say in Tough Mudders. There’s no quitting here.”